The holiday season is all about tradition, creativity, and spending time with loved ones. One of the most fun and festive activities to enjoy with family is decorating a gingerbread house. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, this timeless activity allows everyone to get involved and create something special. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you decorate the perfect gingerbread house while having fun with your family.
1. Choose the Right Gingerbread House Kit or Make Your Own
Before you start, decide whether you want to build your gingerbread house from scratch or buy a ready-made kit.
- Store-Bought Kits : Gingerbread house kits are widely available and often come with pre-baked pieces, icing, and an assortment of candy decorations. These kits can be great for younger children or those who want a no-fuss activity.
- Homemade Gingerbread : If you prefer to make your own gingerbread, you can bake your own pieces using a gingerbread recipe. Cut the pieces into the traditional house shapes---two walls, two side walls, a front and back, and the roof.
2. Gather Your Decorating Supplies
The fun part of decorating a gingerbread house is choosing the decorations. Stock up on a variety of sweets and treats that will make your house colorful and festive.
- Icing : Royal icing is the best choice for gingerbread houses. It's thick enough to hold decorations in place. You can use store-bought icing or make your own with powdered sugar, egg whites, and a little water.
- Candy Decorations : Consider using classic holiday treats like candy canes, gumdrops, licorice, chocolate buttons, marshmallows, and sprinkles. You can also get creative with coconut flakes for snow or pretzels for a fence.
- Edible Glitter and Sprinkles : For a touch of sparkle, add edible glitter or colorful sprinkles to your decorations.
- Other Accessories : Get some mini figurines, edible glitter, or colored frosting to bring your gingerbread house to life.
3. Prepare Your Workspace
Set up a spacious, well-lit area for decorating. Make sure you have a clean surface, like a large cutting board or a baking sheet, to assemble your house. Lay down some parchment paper or a disposable tablecloth to make cleanup easier. Have a variety of utensils on hand, such as piping bags, spoons, and butter knives, to help with the icing.
4. Start Assembling the House
If you're working with a kit, follow the instructions for assembling the gingerbread house. If you're using homemade gingerbread, you may need to first pipe icing along the edges of the gingerbread pieces to help them stick together.
- Glue the Walls : Start by carefully assembling the walls of the house. Apply a thick layer of icing to the edges of each piece and hold them together until they set. You can use cans or other objects to prop up the pieces until the icing hardens.
- Add the Roof : Once the walls are secure, place the roof pieces on top. Be gentle and hold them in place until they stick.
5. Let the Icing Set
Before moving on to decorating, let the assembled house sit for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the icing to harden. This will ensure that the pieces stay in place as you start decorating.
6. Get Creative with Decorations
Now comes the fun part! This is where you can let your imagination run wild. You can create a traditional snowy scene, a colorful candy wonderland, or even a winter village.
- Roof : Use your icing to "shingle" the roof with candy. You can line up gumdrops or pretzels to create a layered effect. For a more festive look, sprinkle powdered sugar or shredded coconut on top to mimic snow.
- Windows and Doors : Create a festive door with chocolate pieces or licorice, and decorate the windows with icing to give them a frosted look. You can even use small candies to frame the windows.
- Front Yard : Use candy canes to make a walkway, or arrange chocolate buttons to form a path. You can also place small marshmallows around the house to create a snowy yard.
- Side Walls : Decorate the side walls with a variety of candies, such as gumdrops, jelly beans, or chocolate chips. You can create a fun pattern or design that wraps around the house.
7. Add Personal Touches
One of the best parts of decorating a gingerbread house is adding your personal touches.
- Mini Figurines : Place little figurines, like gingerbread people or Santa, around the house to create a festive scene.
- Edible Glitter : For a sparkling effect, sprinkle edible glitter or sugar crystals over the roof and windows.
- Unique Details : Get creative with additional elements like candy trees, a little fence made from pretzels, or even a mini snowman made out of marshmallows.
8. Enjoy the Process Together
Decorating a gingerbread house is as much about the process as it is about the finished product. Encourage your family to work together, share ideas, and enjoy the time spent creating something special. Whether it's a small detail or a big part of the design, everyone can contribute and make the house truly unique.
9. Let It Dry
Once you're happy with the decorations, let the house sit and dry for a few hours, or overnight, to ensure that all the candy and icing is securely attached.
10. Display and Enjoy
After your gingerbread house has dried and set, display it proudly in a central location. Whether you place it on the dining table, under the Christmas tree, or on a mantel, it's sure to add a festive touch to your holiday decorations.
If your family is particularly sweet-toothed, you can also take bites of your house as you go along (although this may be the hardest part of the whole process!).
Conclusion
Decorating a gingerbread house is a fun and creative way to spend time with family during the holiday season. It's an activity that fosters togetherness and allows everyone to get involved, whether they're shaping the house, piping the icing, or choosing the perfect candy. No matter how your gingerbread house turns out, the memories you make while decorating will last long after the sweets are gone. Happy decorating!